The Mental Health Foundation has adopted a 32‑hour working week with no reduction in pay after a year‑long pilot delivered substantial wellbeing gains without harming performance.The study, conducted from April 2024 to April 2025 across all staff (or pro rata for part‑time employees), shows the shorter week helped reduce stress and boost overall satisfaction. Mental Health Foundation
Data from the pilot shows:
69 per cent of participants reported less work‑related stress
68 per cent reported improved mental wellbeing
64 per cent felt greater life satisfaction
79 per cent experienced better work‑life balance, with time freed up for family, hobbies and even cheesemaking
Participants in the initiative appreciated the flexibility to structure their 32 hours to suit caring or parenting responsibilities, with part‑time staff, those with disabilities, neurodivergence or prior mental‑health challenges seeing the greatest personal benefit.
Measures of performance also held steady or improved. More than half of staff said their productivity (55 per cent) and workload management (55 per cent) had improved. Some teams flagged enhanced performance thanks to clearer priorities and efficient working.
Demand for roles surged during the pilot. Applications nearly doubled year‑on‑year, with 28 per cent of applicants citing the shorter working week as a top reason to apply. Meanwhile. turnover intentions were halved among staff.
The permanent shift will likely resonate with other organisations seeking staff retention, wellbeing and performance, especially at a time when UK workplaces face high levels of stress and burnout.
